RECREATION & LEISURE RESOURCES

By: Carmen Willingsteachingvisuallyimpaired.com

There are a number of great books, web resources and organizations that provide information and resources specific to persons who are blind or visually impaired. If you are aware of additional resources that you feel should be listed here, please let me know so I can add them.

FREE VI Program Templates

Become a member for FREE to access the Printable VI Program Templates to support your district's vision program. Includes VI Program resources, FVE/LMA templates and NEW Sample FVE Reports ebook. Simply click on Log In|Register in the navigation bar at the top of the page and follow the directions to register and create your password. ​

Due to the nationwide shortage of vision professionals, it can be challenging to locate personnel. Announce a job vacancy on the Job Exchange of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments, an online listing of jobs specific to the visual impairment field.

Organizations

The American Blind Skiing Foundationis a non-profit totally volunteer organization that provides persons who are blind with opportunities to build confidence and independence through skiing.

The American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, Inc. works in partnership with education agencies in the U.S. to establish programs, policies, procedures, and regulations in interscholastic adapted sports for students with physical disabilities; provides services to Local Education Agencies, State High School Associations and State departments of Education in extracurricular adapted athletics for physically disabled children attending grades 1-12; and improves student well-being while positively influencing total student development.

The Beep Kickball Association's mission is to enrich the lives of all people who are visually impaired through participation in sports. It is currently being played in over 80 summer camps and schools for the blind across the nation. The association challenges you to start the a team in your city!

Camp Abilitiesprovides developmental sports camps with sports and recreation activities adapted and modified for persons with visual impairments. Their website provides links to instructional materials and guidelines and strategies for teaching sports and recreation to children with visual impairments.

Disabled Sports USAprovides adaptive sports opportunities for people with disabilities to develop independence, confidence and fitness through sports.

The International Blind Golf Association provides a way for persons who are blind or visually impaired, with the assistance of coaches/guides, to enjoy the friendship and exercise the game of golf provides. Each year four or five national open championships take place and every two years the World Blind Golf Championships are held.

The National Beep Baseball Association

The National Beep Baseball Association's facilitates and provides the adaptive version of America's favorite pastime for persons who are blind or have low vision. Learn more on the associations website about the game, rules, teams, equipment and history.

The United States Association of Bind Athletesis a Colorado based organization that provides life-enriching sports opportunities for every individual with a visual impairment. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, USABA provides athletic opportunities in various sports including, but not limited to track and field, nordic and alpine skiing, biathlon, judo, wrestling, swimming, tandem cycling, powerlifting and goalball.

Sources for Materials

Accessibyte Arcadeis a collection of 6 fun, interactive and accessible games. Each game is designed from the ground up to be visually, audibly and cognitively accessible to a wide spectrum of players. This is done through simple navigation, clean visuals and complete audio prompting.

Future Aids, The Braille Superstore is a forward-thinking company with exciting new products for the blind and visually impaired. They offer Braille supplies, talking gadgets, household items, card and board games, audible toys, cool gift ideas, and so much more.The Braille Bookstore offers print/braille books featuring over 200 popular, current, and classic titles. Book-of-the-month club available in four age categories.

Independent Living Aidsprovides a catalogue and purchasing equipment for low vision devices and independent living aids. Their Low-Vision store offers: assistive technology; braille; canes; clocks & timers; healthcare; lamps; low vision watches; magnifiers; talking products; and telephones. They also have a Low-Hearing store, mobility store, and a daily living store.

Book Resources...

Lieberman, Lauren J. Physical Education and Sports for People with Visual Impairments and Deafblindness: Foundations of Instruction. AFB Press, 2012. This resource book provides suggestions on teaching the skills that will enable both children and adults with visual impairments and deafblindness to participate in physical education, recreation, sports, and lifelong health and fitness activities.

Additional Resources...

Glenn Hamilton is a bowling coach working on an outreach campaign about bowling for people who are blind. He is trying to spread the word about how bowling is a great sport for people who are blind as it requires few adaptations making it easy for students to play with their sighted friends.